The political and economic situation in Belarus remains dire under President Lukashenka's authoritarian rule. Repression of human rights and his assault on democratic institutions are the subject of continuing concern.

The hearing will provide a timely opportunity to review the current situation in Belarus in advance of the May 16 presidential elections called by the democratic opposition.

Lukashenka has rejected calls for an election and is attempting to neutralize democratic opposition to his rule.

Scheduled witnesses include:

Ross Wilson, Principal Deputy to the Ambassador-at-Large and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for the New Independent States
Ambassador Hans-Georg Wieck, Head of OSCE Advisory and Monitoring Group in BelarusAmbassador Andrei Sannikov, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus and Coordinator of Charter 97Catherine Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, International League for Human RightsRachel Denber, Deputy Director, Europe Division, Human Rights Watch